~67 spots leftby Feb 2026

PPC vs Observation for Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Infants

(PIVOTAL Trial)

Recruiting at19 trial locations
Age: < 18
Sex: Any
Travel: May Be Covered
Time Reimbursement: Varies
Trial Phase: Academic
Recruiting
Sponsor: Nationwide Children's Hospital
Disqualifiers: Congenital defects, Lung abnormalities, Infections, others
No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial is testing whether using a small device called PICCOLO to close an abnormal heart opening in preterm infants with PDA is better than using medications. If successful, it could become the new standard treatment. A new method has been introduced as a possible treatment for PDA in premature infants.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether participants must stop taking their current medications. It is best to consult with the trial coordinators for specific guidance.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment PICCOLO Occluder for Patent Ductus Arteriosus in infants?

Research shows that using the Amplatzer Piccolo Occluder for closing a patent ductus arteriosus (a heart condition where a blood vessel doesn't close properly after birth) in infants can improve breathing compared to surgery. A study also followed infants for three years after using this device and found it to be effective in closing the condition.12345

Is the Amplatzer Piccolo Occluder safe for closing patent ductus arteriosus in infants?

The Amplatzer Piccolo Occluder is generally safe for closing patent ductus arteriosus in infants, with a high success rate and low risk of complications. Some rare issues like device movement and minor vessel narrowing have been reported, but serious problems are uncommon.13678

How is the PICCOLO Occluder treatment different from other treatments for patent ductus arteriosus in infants?

The PICCOLO Occluder is unique because it allows for a minimally invasive procedure called transcatheter closure, which is less invasive than traditional surgery and can be performed on very small infants, even those weighing as little as 700 grams.124910

Research Team

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for preterm infants with Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA), a heart condition present at birth. Eligible infants must be in the NICU, on mechanical ventilation, and between 7-32 days old with a birth weight of ≥700 grams. They should have a specific PDA severity score on an echocardiogram but no chromosomal defects, neuromuscular disorders, congenital lung abnormalities or life-threatening conditions.

Inclusion Criteria

My baby can be enrolled in the study within 5 days of their heart test, and they are 7-32 days old.
My baby was born between 22 and 27 weeks of pregnancy.
You weighed at least 700 grams (about 1.5 pounds) at birth.
See 3 more

Exclusion Criteria

My infant is under a do not resuscitate order or we are considering limiting intensive care.
I have a genetic condition like Trisomy 18.
I have a blood clot in my heart that could affect medical device placement.
See 13 more

Trial Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants are randomly assigned to either Percutaneous Patent Ductus Arteriosus Closure (PPC) or Responsive Management. Those in the PPC group undergo active intervention, while those in the Responsive Management group receive supportive care.

Up to 36 weeks post-menstrual age

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, including assessments of cardiac function and neurodevelopmental outcomes.

4 months corrected age

Extension

Participants may continue to be monitored for long-term outcomes, including neurodevelopmental assessments and respiratory support requirements.

Up to 4 months corrected age

Treatment Details

Interventions

  • PICCOLO (Device)
  • Responsive Management Intervention (Other)
Trial OverviewThe study compares two treatments for PDA: percutaneous closure using the PICCOLO device versus supportive management with medications. It's designed to see which method is more effective for these low-weight infants and could potentially set new care standards.
Participant Groups
2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Group I: Secondary InterventionExperimental Treatment2 Interventions
Sub-group of patients initially randomized to Responsive Management who may suffer a decline in health status that can be attributed to the presence of a hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (HSPDA). These patients, upon meeting pre-specified clinical criteria, will undergo active treatment via Percutaneous Patent Ductus Arteriosus Closure (PPC) as in the active comparator arm.
Group II: Primary ComparatorActive Control3 Interventions
Interventional groups that subject will be randomly assigned to include Percutaneous Patent Ductus Arteriosus Closure (PPC) or Responsive Management. Those assigned to PPC will undergo active intervention to close a hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (HSPDA) whereas those assigned to Responsive Management will be treated to manage the symptoms of the HSPDA and permit natural closure over time.

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Nationwide Children's Hospital

Lead Sponsor

Trials
354
Recruited
5,228,000+
Catherine Krawczeski profile image

Catherine Krawczeski

Nationwide Children's Hospital

Chief Medical Officer

MD

Timothy C. Robinson profile image

Timothy C. Robinson

Nationwide Children's Hospital

Chief Executive Officer since 2019

BSc in Psychology and Business Administration from Indiana University

Abbott

Industry Sponsor

Trials
760
Recruited
489,000+
Dr. Etahn Korngold profile image

Dr. Etahn Korngold

Abbott

Chief Medical Officer

MD, Harvard Medical School

Robert B. Ford profile image

Robert B. Ford

Abbott

Chief Executive Officer since 2020

Bachelor's degree from Boston College, MBA from UC Berkeley, Haas School of Business

Emory University

Collaborator

Trials
1,735
Recruited
2,605,000+
Dr. R. Donald Harvey profile image

Dr. R. Donald Harvey

Emory University

Chief Medical Officer

MD from Emory University School of Medicine

Dr. George Painter profile image

Dr. George Painter

Emory University

Chief Executive Officer since 2013

PhD in Synthetic Organic Chemistry from Emory University

University of Bristol

Collaborator

Trials
114
Recruited
25,030,000+

Dr. Tayton-Martin

University of Bristol

Chief Executive Officer since 2021

PhD in Molecular Immunology from the University of Bristol, MBA from London Business School

Dr. Freda Lewis-Hall

University of Bristol

Chief Medical Officer since 2023

MD from Harvard Medical School

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

Collaborator

Trials
523
Recruited
165,000+
David E. Cohen profile image

David E. Cohen

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

Chief Medical Officer

MD and PhD in Physiology and Biophysics from Harvard University

Peter L. Slavin profile image

Peter L. Slavin

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

Chief Executive Officer

MD from Harvard Medical School, MBA from Harvard Business School

Children's Hospital Los Angeles

Collaborator

Trials
257
Recruited
5,075,000+

Paul S. Viviano

Children's Hospital Los Angeles

Chief Executive Officer since 2015

Master of Public Health from UCLA Fielding School of Public Health

Alan S. Wayne profile image

Alan S. Wayne

Children's Hospital Los Angeles

Chief Medical Officer since 2023

MD

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Collaborator

Trials
2,896
Recruited
8,053,000+
Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo profile image

Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Chief Medical Officer

MD from University of California, Los Angeles

Dr. Jay Bhattacharya profile image

Dr. Jay Bhattacharya

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Chief Executive Officer

MD, PhD from Stanford University

Dartmouth College

Collaborator

Trials
93
Recruited
1,415,000+

Sian Leah Beilock

Dartmouth College

Chief Executive Officer since 2023

PhD in Cognitive Psychology and Neuroscience from Miami University

Estevan Garcia

Dartmouth College

Chief Medical Officer since 2024

MD from Stony Brook University School of Medicine

University of Pittsburgh

Collaborator

Trials
1,820
Recruited
16,360,000+
David Apelian profile image

David Apelian

University of Pittsburgh

Chief Executive Officer since 2019

PhD in Molecular Biology from Rutgers University, MD from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, MBA from Quinnipiac University

Pamela D. Garzone profile image

Pamela D. Garzone

University of Pittsburgh

Chief Medical Officer

PhD in Clinical Science from the University of Pittsburgh

University of Iowa

Collaborator

Trials
486
Recruited
934,000+

Dr. Afable

University of Iowa

Chief Medical Officer since 2005

MD from Loyola Stritch School of Medicine, MPH from the University of Illinois

Joel Harris profile image

Joel Harris

University of Iowa

Chief Executive Officer since 2023

B.A. in Economics from the University of Iowa, Post-baccalaureate Certificate in Narrative Communications from Northwestern University

Findings from Research

Transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) using the Amplatzer Piccolo Occluder is safe and effective, with successful closure in all cases analyzed from 147 preterm infants.
Infants who underwent catheter closure had a shorter duration of mechanical ventilation (3 days) compared to those who had surgical closure (5 days), and those treated earlier (before 4 weeks of age) were discharged home sooner, indicating potential benefits of this less invasive approach.
Improved ventilation in premature babies after transcatheter versus surgical closure of patent ductus arteriosus.Regan, W., Benbrik, N., Sharma, SR., et al.[2021]
In a study of 408 infants weighing less than 6 kg who underwent transcatheter patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure, a high success rate of 92% was achieved without major complications, indicating that this procedure is safe for smaller patients.
While the procedure is effective, the study noted a higher embolization rate (5%) compared to larger patients, suggesting that careful assessment of duct morphology and device retrievability is crucial when considering transcatheter closure versus surgical options.
Outcome after transcatheter occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus in infants less than 6 kg: A national study from United Kingdom and Ireland.Kang, SL., Jivanji, S., Mehta, C., et al.[2018]
In a study of 201 premature infants with a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), 47% experienced spontaneous closure by 12 months, and 58% by 18 months, indicating a significant rate of natural resolution over time.
The study also found that 8.4% of infants required assisted closure through surgical methods, and there was a notable incidence of serious adverse events, highlighting the need for careful monitoring of these infants after discharge.
Low Rate of Spontaneous Closure in Premature Infants Discharged with a Patent Ductus Arteriosus: A Multicenter Prospective Study.Tolia, VN., Powers, GC., Kelleher, AS., et al.[2022]

References

Improved ventilation in premature babies after transcatheter versus surgical closure of patent ductus arteriosus. [2021]
Outcome after transcatheter occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus in infants less than 6 kg: A national study from United Kingdom and Ireland. [2018]
Low Rate of Spontaneous Closure in Premature Infants Discharged with a Patent Ductus Arteriosus: A Multicenter Prospective Study. [2022]
3-year follow-up of a prospective, multicenter study of the Amplatzer Piccolo™ Occluder for transcatheter patent ductus arteriosus closure in children ≥ 700 grams. [2023]
Outcomes for Infants Born in Perinatal Centers Performing Fewer Surgical Ligations for Patent Ductus Arteriosus: A Swiss Population-Based Study. [2021]
Amplatzer Piccolo Occluder clinical trial for percutaneous closure of the patent ductus arteriosus in patients ≥700 grams. [2021]
Percutaneous Closure of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Infants 1.5 kg or Less: A Meta-Analysis. [2021]
Piccolo in transcatheter PDA closure multi-centre study from premature to adolescent children. [2023]
Spontaneous Closure of the Ductus Arteriosus in Preterm Infants: A Systematic Review. [2023]
Transjugular venous approach for Piccolo patent ductus arteriosus closure in a 1.4 kg infant. [2022]